HP ElitePad 900 means business

Back in black: the ElitePad 900 is HP's newest tablet. Source: Supplied

HEWLETT-PACKARD knows a bit about computers.

The American company is the world's largest PC maker and has been creating computers, from Pocket PCs to Envy notebooks to big beige boxes, since the 1960s.

Its record with tablets, however, is not quite as esteemed. HP's first effort, the TouchPad, was dumped after just four days on sale in Australia.

Moving on from that experiment, HP has a new tablet plan and it involves the Windows 8-based ElitePad 900.

Created for industrious business types who want entertainment on the side, the ElitePad has a lot going for it. The tablet has reasonable grunt, is solidly built, and it stands out from the Windows 8 crowd using a host of functional accessories rarely seen in the tablet market.

The 10.1-inch ElitePad tablet comes in four varieties, ranging from $799 to $1299, with the main differences being Windows software, storage and bundled accessories.

Our review model, the $899 D4T11AW, uses an Intel Atom 1.5GHz chip, 2GB RAM and 64GB storage, placing it in the capable but not cutting-edge category. It's enough power to run Windows 8 comfortably, with few delays even when cycling through many open apps.

Physically, the ElitePad looks reminiscent of the original Apple iPad, thanks to a metal back and rounded corners. It's a bit heavier than the iPad 4 at just under 680g, though it doesn't feel ungainly in your hands.

The ElitePad's screen shows off Windows 8 to its best advantage, thanks to a effective 1280x800 resolution and generous viewing angles that make it clear to see even when sitting flat on a desk.

But what really sets HP's business-like tablet apart are its accessories.

Add a $79 ElitePad Expansion Jacket to this tablet and it becomes significantly handier. The black case contains a MicroSD reader, letting users transfer and store files. Add a $109 battery pack to this Jacket and you can extend its battery life to up to 20 hours.

A $139 Docking Station also adds many more ports, including four USB, an Ethernet, HDMI and VGA connections, allowing its use as a makeshift desktop computer.

On its own, the ElitePad 900 also has an 8-megapixel rear camera, a small forward-facing camera, two speakers and a proprietary charging port.

There are notable downsides to HP's newest tablet, however. None of its versions feature a mobile internet connection, forcing you to seek wi-fi. This tablet's hardware is also heavier and slower than most current models, and users will need to invest more to add connections already featured on Microsoft's Surface tablets.

Those who want a serious tablet, with the ability to add to its skills, may appreciate HP's new effort.

> HP ELITEPAD 900
HP, $799-$1249
hp.com.au
Rating: 3.5/5

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